Your complete guide to must-visit attractions in Hong Kong, including opening hours, tickets, and tips.
For more recommendations, see the full guide.
When it comes to Hong Kong tourism, many travelers focus on the vibrant commercial districts of Hong Kong Island. However, departing from Causeway Bay and the Wan Chai area reveals convenient routes to distinctive outlying islands. Let's clarify a common geographical misconception: Causeway Bay itself is not an outlying island but rather a shopping and commercial center located on the eastern side of Hong Kong Island. To reach the actual outlying islands, travelers need to depart from nearby piers—the good news is that departing from Wan Chai or Central Ferry Piers, the transportation options to popular outlying islands are both diverse and convenient.
Highlights: The Charm of Outlying Islands Departing from Hong Kong Island
The convenience of traveling from Hong Kong Island to outlying islands is a major advantage for tourism in the city. According to statistics from early 2026, visitor numbers to Hong Kong have increased by 18% compared to the same period last year, with outlying island experiences becoming an important element in attracting repeat visitors. These islands have preserved traditional fishing village charm, forming a stark contrast to the urban bustle of Causeway Bay. Just a 30-minute to 1-hour ferry ride can take you from the pace of the city to island relaxation.
Recommended Destinations
Cheung Chau Island
Cheung Chau is Hong Kong's most representative traditional fishing village island, reachable in approximately 50 minutes from the Wan Chai Ferry Pier. What makes this place special is its well-preserved old street scenery and traditional culture. Tung Wan Beach is one of the most accessible quality beaches for urban travelers. The island's most famous event, the "Cheung Chau Bun Festival," is an intangible cultural heritage of Hong Kong, and its Bun Scrambling Competition tradition attracts large crowds of pilgrims every year. Even outside of festival periods, Cheung Chau's seafood delicacies, glutinous rice dumplings, and red bean ice sticks are worth trying. Ferry standard fares range from approximately HK$22 to $28, with high-speed ferries at approximately HK$40 to $50, with a journey time of about 30 to 50 minutes.
Lamma Island
Approximately 30 minutes from the Central Ferry Pier, Lamma Island is famous for its "sunshine and beach" image. Sok Kwu Wan and Yung Shue Wan each have their own distinctive character—Sok Kwu Wan is known for its seafood, while Yung Shue Wan offers a more tranquil atmosphere. In recent years, Lamma Island has become a weekend hotspot for young travelers and expatriates. Cafes and creative boutiques on the island have been gradually increasing, reflecting the rise of micro-tourism consumption. The island features a Family Trail, with hiking times of approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours, offering scenic views throughout. Ferry fares are approximately HK$18 to $35.
Peng Chau Island
Compared to the crowds at Cheung Chau and Lamma Island, Peng Chau feels more like a corner forgotten by time. Reachable in approximately 40 minutes from Central or Mui Wo Ferry Pier, this place has retained its original island character without much commercial packaging. The island's "Handcraft Market" and "Slow Living Space" attract travelers seeking deep experiences, and in recent years, it has become a popular Instagram spot for the creative crowd. The sunset views at Peng Chau are highly praised by many photography enthusiasts as one of the best sunset viewing spots in the Hong Kong Island area. Ferry fares are approximately HK$22 to $28.
Lantau Island Ngong Ping 360
Strictly speaking, Lantau Island is Hong Kong's largest island, and the Ngong Ping 360 cable car is one of the most popular visitor experiences in recent years. From the Central Ferry Pier, travel to Mui Wo (approximately 55 minutes), then transfer to a bus or cable car to reach Ngong Ping. One-way cable car tickets are approximately HK$235, round-trip $340, VIP cabin $600. Along the way, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. The Tian Tan Buddha at Ngong Ping Market is a landmark attraction. This experience is particularly suitable for family travelers and first-time visitors to Hong Kong.
Mui Wo Beach
Located on the eastern side of Lantau Island, Mui Wo is a relatively low-profile but excellent quality beach. Reachable in approximately 55 minutes from the Central Ferry Pier, both the sand quality and water quality have received positive reviews, and the supporting facilities are well-equipped. The combination of Mui Wo's rural atmosphere and Silver Sand Bay Beach evokes the Hong Kong coastline of the 1970s, making it ideal for travelers who want to escape the crowds. Ferry fares are approximately HK$42 to $50.
Practical Information
Regarding transportation, the main piers for traveling from Hong Kong Island to outlying islands include the Wan Chai Ferry Pier and Central Ferry Pier. Both offer ferries to Cheung Chau, Mui Wo (via Lantau Island), Peng Chau, and Lamma Island. Travelers can use the Octopus card for direct gate access, saving time spent queuing for tickets. Ferry services run approximately every 15 to 30 minutes on weekdays, with increased frequency on weekends and public holidays.
Regarding costs, standard ferry one-way fares range from approximately HK$18 to $50, while high-speed ferries range from approximately HK$40 to $60, depending on destination and vessel type. Ngong Ping 360 cable car tickets are more expensive but offer a unique experience. It's recommended that travelers avoid peak hours on weekend mornings; otherwise, you may need to wait for the next ferry.
Regarding operating hours, ferry services typically run from early morning around 6 AM until around 11 PM, with some services reduced during late-night hours. Ngong Ping 360 cable car operates from 9 AM to 6 PM daily.
Travel Tips
Departing from Causeway Bay, the most convenient route is to take the MTR Island Line to Central Station, then walk from Exit A to the Ferry Pier, which takes approximately 10 minutes. If departing from Wan Chai, you can board directly at the Wan Chai Ferry Pier. It's recommended to avoid the crowds during peak hours from 10 AM to 2 PM on weekends; choosing weekdays or weekend evenings will provide a better experience.
As Hong Kong's tourism industry continues to recover, the 2026 Michelin Guide Hong Kong featured 278 restaurants, including quality dining establishments in outlying island areas, indicating that outlying island cuisine quality is improving. When visiting Cheung Chau and Lamma Island, be sure to set aside time to savor local seafood—it's fresh and distinctive.
